B2adverb 2K

Dramatically

UK /["/drəˈmætɪkli/"]/ US /["/drəˈmætɪkli/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

very suddenly and to a very great and often surprising degree

Listen to definition

In simple words: In a way that is surprising or extreme.

Examples

• Prices have fallen dramatically.
• Prices have increased dramatically in the last few years.
• Events could have developed in a dramatically different way.
• Since then the situation has changed dramatically.
• The mountains rose dramatically behind them.
• The opera does not compare musically or dramatically with the composer's best work.
• ‘At last!’ she cried dramatically.

Usage notes

Use 'dramatically' when describing actions or changes that are very noticeable. Common in formal writing, less so in casual speech.

Grammar pattern

dramatically + verb

Memory hint

Think of 'drama'—when something happens dramatically, it's like a scene from a play.

Collocations

• change dramatically
• affect dramatically
• increase dramatically

Synonyms

• noticeably
• strikingly
• theatrically
• exaggeratedly

Antonyms

• subtly
• quietly

Common mistakes

• Using 'dramatically' incorrectly with nouns instead of verbs.
• Confusing 'dramatically' with 'dramatic'.